Steve Grantham Named Farrington Entrepreneur of the Year
Ole Miss alumnus honored for leadership, community investment
OXFORD, Miss. – ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø has named alumnus Steve Grantham as the recipient of the Farrington Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his leadership, community service and engagement with the School of Business Administration.
Grantham, of Jackson, is president of J&R Restaurant Group, the Outback Steakhouse franchisee for Mississippi and west Tennessee. The company operates eight restaurants across the region.
He was honored April 10 at the Gillespie Business Model Competition awards ceremony. The annual award, presented by the , honors entrepreneurs whose work reflects innovation, impact and service. The award is named for alumni Jan and Lawrence Farrington, of Ridgeland, the inaugural recipients in 2010.
Grantham serves on the advisory board of the UM and supports student and alumni entrepreneurs.
"Ole Miss has always had a special place in my heart," Grantham said. "The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship gives students the opportunity to test ideas, learn from failure and develop a real starting point for a business. That kind of support can be transformational."
The honoree is also involved with the , the Legacy Leadership Program and family business initiatives, providing mentorship based on decades of experience.
"Steve Grantham exemplifies leadership with purpose," said Clay Dibrell, CIE co-director. "He consistently steps forward to support students and strengthen Mississippi businesses."
Founded in 1993 by Steve Grantham Sr., J&R Restaurant Group has operated under Grantham's leadership since 2006.
The company has provided more than 40,000 free meals to charities, community events, law enforcement and military organizations. In 2026, J&R plans to support more than 50 charitable organizations and more than 85 community events.
Grantham has received the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal from the state and serves as treasurer of the Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
"This is a relationship-driven world," he said. "Success comes down to trust and knowing people."
To support the School of Business Administration, contact Angela Brown, managing director of development, at browna@olemiss.edu or 662-915-3181.
Top: The School of Business Administration has honored Steve Grantham (second from right), of Jackson, as the Farrington Entrepreneur of the Year. On hand to congratulate Grantham are (from left) Mary Grantham, his wife; and Lawrence and Jan Farrington, for whom the award is named. Photo by Joe Worthem
By
Michael Newsom
Campus
Office, Department or Center
Published
April 19, 2026